5 Killer Quora Answers On Infant Carrier Seat
What is an Infant Carrier Seat?
When it comes to choosing a car seat, parents have two options either infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants have the shortest time for use since they are used rear-facing.
Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to make a travel system. This allows parents to easily take their baby out of the car and into a stroller without disturbing their sleep.
Safety
Many parents have concerns about how safe an infant carrier seat is, particularly when they purchase one for the first time. Like all car seats, the infant carrier seat was designed to safeguard your baby as safely as it is possible in the event of a collision. Most of the time, they are positioned with the infant facing the rear. This makes them the best infant car seat option for infants at the greatest risk of injury during a crash.
These seats also feature additional padding for head protection, as well as lower anchors that hold the seat to the chassis in case of an accident. This is particularly important for young infants who have large necks and heads that could be easily injured in the sudden stopping or collision. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, forming a travel system that allows you to easily move your baby from your car to the stroller without disrupting them.
Furthermore, the majority of infant car seats have bases that can be fitted in other vehicles to permit you to take your child along with you no matter where you go. This is great if you frequently use taxi or ride-sharing services as it makes travelling on airplanes with your infant a lot easier also.
Some infant carrier seats can be put on strollers that don't have an element of base. This allows you to ensure your child's safety throughout all sorts of trips and adventures. This is a great option for grandparents who would like to help with the transportation of your child!
It's important to keep in mind that an infant carrier is not intended to be left unattended on a soft surface. Babies can tip or roll over, causing injuries or even death. This is why it is important to review the safety instructions thoroughly before using an infant car seat in a different location.
Portability
Many infant car seats are offered as part of a "travel system" that is a combination of the car seat base and the frame of the stroller. They connect to provide seamless transitions. Travel systems are ideal for babies since they allow parents to move their child from the car to a stroller without having to wake the baby up. This is the primary reason that more than 80% of Babylist parents buy an infant seat.
Many infant car seats work with the majority of strollers. Stroller compatibility lets parents easily take their baby out of the car and put them on the frame of a stroller to walk around a park or grocery store. This is also a great feature to look for in the event you plan to use a ride share or taxi service, as most of these services require that a child be in car seats.
As opposed to convertible car seats, that must be kept in the car, infant car seats are usually lighter and more compact making them a great choice for families on-the-go. Additionally, some brands of infant car seats come with the option of a handle that parents can use to carry the seat around by themselves. This is particularly useful if you have any trips planned that you don't wish to wake your sleeping baby seat up for!
Car seats for infants only last until your baby becomes a toddler and they have outgrown the weight and height limits Some convertible car seats can be used as a rear facing infant car seat, and later converted to a forward facing infant car seat facing car seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are great if you're looking to keep your child in a secure seat for as long as it is possible. You can even find seats that convert to change into a high-back booster seat when your child outgrows the harness (or exceeds the height and weight limits). Make sure to check for this feature when looking through choices!
Easy to Use
A baby carrier seat is a rear-facing car seat which can be connected to a base in your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep babies and newborns safe until they reach the weight and height requirements of the booster. Many infant car seats best car seats are compatible with strollers. This can make it easy to move the baby from the car to the stroller and continue on your journey without disturbing their nap time.
Look for an infant seat that has an attachable carrier that which you can connect to the base of a stroller or car. This will allow you to quickly get your child in and out of the car, especially if their nap is about to end or they're hungry, thirsty, or bored. Examine the shoulder strap slots to ensure that they are placed correctly for your child. If the straps are too low or high, they can't be used correctly and can cause injury in the event of a crash.
Certain infant car seats have lower anchors that can be used in lieu of the base, which is ideal for taxi rides or for travel on airplanes. Check that the lower anchors are simple to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We can also listen for an audible "click" when the seat is properly secured. It is essential to select a seat that comes with an easy-to-use harness and a carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's Click Connect or UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.
Convertible car seats are the next step up from an infant carrier. They can be used until your child reaches their weight or height requirement for the booster seat. They can be used alongside a stroller but don't provide the newborn fit and convenience of a baby car seat. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters however they are generally larger and less portable, which can make them difficult to maneuver in small cars or when transporting children around busy areas.
Installation
Installing car seats, and especially infant car seats, can be difficult. It is vital to install car seats correctly and safely. This can be affected by the position of the seat, the angle of base, and the way you use the handle.
Most infant car seats are made to be connected to a base that remains in the vehicle, a system commonly referred to as a traveling system. These seats are designed to be used in a rear-facing position, which is more secure for infants than forward-facing seats. The majority of car seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that can be read to ensure the seat is at the correct semi-reclined position for your baby. The base might include an adjustable angle.
Another feature to look for is if the seat comes with a way to adjust the shoulder strap height without having to disengage and rethread the straps. This can be a real time saver, as it will probably need to be done multiple times during the course of the use of a car seat for infants.
Finally, some cars come with hard points in the back seat that are specifically designed to hold infant car seats. These are usually tucked deep into the crease between cushion back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks are custom made for the particular seat and will snap into place with little effort. When they are connected to the seat, you might hear a distinct sound.
It is also a great idea to try the car seat with the child before deciding if it is suitable for your family. If the car seat does not connect to the base or your child isn't at ease, it's time to look for a different alternative.
Some car seats are capable of being installed without the base. This is a great option for those who use public transportation or taxi services such as Uber. Read the instructions of the manufacturer for removing and installing the car seat without base, but most will permit you to do this with the simple press of an lever or button. Many will provide a clear "click" to indicate that it is secure enough.